With an overview on the extensive collection of JH Pierneef linocuts one will recognize various themes, but with his love for nature it is almost a given that the portrayal of trees as subject matter is amongst Pierneefs’ favourite. The trees Pierneef include in various works are common to the bush veld but it is specifically the willow, camel thorn, wild syringa and baobab that have become known as the Pierneef-trees among South Africans.

JH Pierneef did approach the landscape in various ways, not just in regards to the theme, but in the way a specific scene or location could be depicted in various styles and perspectives. The use of line, space, form and composition plays a key factor to this variety. Some linocut works can have an `over decorative` feel upon the eye as the use of line gives it an illustrative appearance, closely related to that of his drawings and etches. Huis Dr Jorissen Ou Pretoria, on display in the La Motte Tasting room, and Landskap met huis, used on the Pierneef Collection – 2011 Shiraz Viognierlabel, is as example of a more illustrative linocut.

JH Pierneef (1886-1957)
Huis Dr. Jorissen Ou Pretoria
Linocut
La Motte Wine Estate – Tasting room